Oakland International Airport Makes Room for More International Arrivals

Press Releases

July 28th, 2017

Expansion of International Arrivals Building Accommodates Soaring Foreign Travel at OAK

Oakland, CA: (July 28, 2017) – As passenger traffic continues to climb, Oakland International Airport (OAK) today opens the first phase of its expanded International Arrivals Building (IAB) in Terminal 1. The $45 million construction project, which began in August 2016, includes 13,000 sq. ft. of additional space incorporating a new baggage carousel and an expanded passenger primary processing room.

With international passenger traffic up 106% over last summer, the expansion of OAK’s IAB allows the Airport to better accommodate growing demand and increasing passenger levels arriving from foreign markets in Mexico, England, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Azores. In 2018, Paris and Rome will join OAK’s international roster of nonstop markets operated by Norwegian Air.

The expansion of OAK’s IAB facility includes the following upgrades:

A more modern, expansive, clean design.

A building addition to accommodate an expanded queuing and processing area to improve the primary screening operations, including expanded use of Automatic Passport Control (APC) kiosks.

New and updated restroom facilities, seismic upgrades and building systems infrastructure upgrades.

New lighting, flooring, finishes, expansive windows and skylights introducing natural light into the new and existing space.

Reconfigured offices for Customs and Border Protection services.

OAK’s Terminal 1 facility was constructed in 1962, and houses the International Arrivals Building (IAB), which was built as an extension of Terminal 1 in 1972. Prior to today’s opening, international arrival operations had been limited to approximately 300 passengers per hour, the equivalent of one widebody aircraft. However, with the expanded facility, approximately 600 passengers per hour can be accommodated, meaning two widebody aircraft can be processed simultaneously. Additionally, the new space accommodates 16 automated passport control kiosks, doubling availability from 8 previously.

Operations will continue while Phase II construction activities are completed, which include removal and replacement of the existing baggage carousel, completion of interior finishes, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) support space and restroom renovation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates within the IAB, meaning the area effectively serves as a U.S. border. Collaboration with CBP throughout the design and construction of the project helped to minimize impact for on-going operations and ensure that the facility meets all required standards.

Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 12 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top business and tourism venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.

Oakland’s air service roster to over 50 nonstop destinations is offered on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.

The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.

Certain statements contained in this press release reflect not historical facts but forecasts, projections, estimates and other “forward-looking statements.” In this respect, the words “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “forecast,” “assume” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forecasts, projections, estimates and other forward-looking statements are not intended as representations of fact or guarantees of results. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those that have been forecasted, estimated or projected. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Port assumes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any changes in the Port’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.